Emilio Bonifacio Drawing Interest on Deadline Day

The front office were close enough on a deal for Emilio Bonifacio prior to Wednesday’s game that Rick Renteria kept Bonifacio out of the lineup and did not play him at all against the Rockies. Renteria said it was prudent to the team that Bonifacio did not play.

According to reports, Bonifacio’s agent has been told to expect a trade. And teams such as the Giants, Athletics, Royals, Mariners and Blue Jays are believed to have the most interest in Bonifacio.

With the injury to Coco Crisp, there are rumblings that Emilio Bonifacio could fit the A’s needs to fill holes at second base and centerfield.

The Cubs could make other deals, outside of Emilio Bonifacio, leading up to Thursday’s non-waiver trade deadline at 3:00pm CDT.

Two of the starting pitchers the Cubs were expected to make a run at in the off-season have been traded in the last 24 hours. And by Justin Masterson and Jon Lester being dealt, neither pitcher is now tied to draft pick compensation.

Justin Masterson was traded Wednesday from Cleveland to St. Louis for minor league outfielder James Ramsey.

And Jon Lester, along with Jonny Gomes, was dealt to Oakland for Yoenis Cespedes and the A’s competitive balance pick in next June’s draft.

Trade Deadline Updates

10:01am CDT – Athletics have traded LHP Tommy Milone to the Twins for OF Sam Fuld

10:14am CDT – Emilio Bonifacio is not in the Cubs starting lineup. Bonifacio is listed as a reserve on the Cubs lineup card.

10:22pm CDT – According to Bruce Levine, Giants and Mariners are still in on Bonifacio.

10:26pm CDT – Joel Sherman is reporting the Pirates, Reds, Orioles, Royals and Mariners are in the mix for Bonifacio. Wesley Wright and James Russell could also be moved prior to the deadline.

10:38pm CDT – According to Jon Paul Morosi, David Price trade talks intensifying following the Jon Lester deal. Chances of Price trade have increased in last 12 hours.

11:55am CDT – Jayson Stark is reporting there is “a lot of action” on Bonifacio. Orioles, Giants and Mariners are making a push for him.

12:44pm CDT – A report from Dan O’Brien indicates James Russell was very high on the Braves’ board after Andrew Miller. Miller could be on his way from Boston to Detroit.